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> From: The Little Rascals <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: Re: surgery question
> Date: 04 February 2001 00:16
>
> >
> Really?? I have had them die of tumors on the liver, ovaries, and I
can't
> remember what else. My vet says this is common.
> Could this be a difference of some sort in U.S. gerbils?
Scent gland tumours are the oly visible tumour I've come across in
Mongolian gerbils, but suspect that many of my older gerbils have died of
internal, undetected tumours.
It is very different with Shaw's Jirds. Perhaps because they are bigger
and calmer and therefore a vet presented with a sick animal is better able
to make an accurate diagnosis, perhaps because they are more inbred. I
have had Shaw's jirds with ear tumours, mouth tumours, breast tumours,
bladder tumours, ovarian tumours, jaw tumours to name a few. In fact
noticeable tumours which arise at about 3 years of age is the cause of
death in 90% Shaw's jirds. Robyn (now 3 years, 3 months) was diagnosed
with a haematoma last October after the liquid inside a lump under her
armpit was drained and found to be 100% blood. However, the lump returned
and continued to grow rapidly. I was then told she had an inoperable
blood-filled cancer, the name of which I cannot remember. The prognosis
was poor. Although I was assured she was in no pain, the tumour was
growing so fast it could explode at any moment, resulting in her bleeding
to death. The good news is she is still here. The lump has subsided a bit
and for now has stabilised. She continues to lead a normal life. I hope
this continues as long as possible..
Sue
